Michael Lang has been a busy member of the Los Angeles musicians’ community for most of his adult life. He’s been an accompanist for performers reaching from Ella Fitzgerald to John Lennon. He’s recorded more than 2000 film scores And he’s written songs for Stan Getz, Fourplay, Herb Alpert and numerous others.

By Mike Lang

Dave Brubeck: One of the most unique artists in jazz.

That’s the first thing that popped into my head upon hearing of his passing. I’d like to improvise some random thoughts.

I discovered Dave’s music on a solo piano LP he did for Columbia, Brubeck Plays Brubeck (1956) which my parents gave me. It made a singularly musical impression on me, and I especially liked “In Your Own Sweet Way” and “The Duke,” which were recorded in Miles Davis’ first collaboration with Gil Evans, Miles Ahead (1956), which was another large experience for me.

I was just reading about Dave’s solo album, only to find that all but two of his pieces were created on-the-spot at the sessions. “In Your Own Sweet Way” is one of these, and I cannot think of a better song, in terms of the quality of the melody, harmony and the form of the piece. Absolutely extraordinary that it was born at the recording session.

All Brubeck-ites probably know the basic stuff of his music: How he had this singular success with “Take Five” (composed by Paul Desmond), and so many of the amazing things that followed…. his long history with the Quartet, his forays into classical music, ballet, choral music, working with his talented sons, etc.

I would like to say personally that his talent for reaching and affecting so many with the special character his music and the persona of his performances opened the doors of jazz for so many… and therefore gave all performers more access to share their music.

He was also especially modest and generous. With regard to being on the cover of Time Magazine, he responded (in London 1998), “I wanted Duke Ellington to have the cover before me”

Dave gave so much, with a very big heart! And people responded all over the world for decades.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

– Sept 19. (Wed.) Catharine Russell. Her resume includes gigs and recordings with the likes of Paul Simon, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Michael Feinstein. But she’s very much the “real thing” according to critic Nat Hentoff. And why not? Her father, pianist Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s music director. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Sept. 20. (Thurs.) Stephanie Haynes & the Karen Hammack Trio. A decade or two ago Haynes was one of the Southland’s most admired jazz singers. Now, after a too-long absence, she’s on the comeback trail, backed by the vocalist-friendly pianist Hammack and her trio. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein and GregHutchinson. A classic jazz organ trio – with Goldings at the B-3, Bernstein on guitar and Hutchinson on drums – at its very best. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Sing-A-Long Sound of Music. If you wake up on Sat. morning with an irresistible urge to sing some of the songs from Sound of Music, here’s the solution – the Bowl’s annual all-join-in event. And don’t forget to wear your costume. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Pianist Laurence Hobgood is rightly praised for his excellent work as an accompanist and arranger. But there are other equally impressive aspects to his skills, and they’ll all be on display in this quartet performance with saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist Hamilton Price and drummer Dan Schnelle. The Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.

Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard

– Sept. 22. Sat.) Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. “Legendary” is a word that actually makes sense when applied to these great folk and country music artists. Hearing them together will be one of the memorable musical experiences of a lifetime Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of Haggard and Kristofferson in action. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677- 3000.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Emil Richards Quartet. Veteran vibist’s resume is covered with all-star performances. But he’s at his best when he steps into the spotlight with equally stellar backing from the likes of Mike Lang, piano, Mike Valerio, bass and Ralph Humphrey, drums. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– Sept. 23. (Sun.) Carol Robbins. She’s everyone’s first call harpist, as well as one of the rare practitioners of jazz on her instrument. Robbins will be celebrating the release of her new CD in the company of Billy Childs, Larry Koonse, Rob Lockart, Darek Oles and Dan Schnelle. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

Seattle

Jeff Lorber

– Sept. 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.) Jeff Lorber Superband. The label is right on target. Keyboardist Lorber’s led some impressive bands over the course of his long career. Add this one to the list, with Brian Bromberg, bass, Everette Harp, saxophones, Gary Novak, drums. Jazz Alley. (206) 441-9729.

Chicago

– Sept. 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.) Fred Hersch Trio. With John Hebert, bass, Eric McPherson, drums. Pianist Hersch, a master of the jazz piano trio format, celebrates the release of his new album Live at the Vanguard. The Jazz Showcase. (212) 360-0234.

New York

– Sept. 18 – 22. (Tues. – Sat.) Coltrane Revisited. Pianist Steve Kuhn’s Coltrane credentials reach back to his early days on the jazz scene. He makes the journey back in the company of trumpeter Tom Harrell, saxophonist Eric Alexander, drummer Andrew Cyrille and bassist Lonnie Plaxico. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

London

– Sept. 18. (Tues.) Patricia Barber. Pianist/singer/songwriter Barber’s adventurous music – with her own works as well as the interpretations of others – is always a fascinating display of creative imagination. Ronnie Scott’s. (0) 020 7439 0747.

Tokyo

– Sept. 21 & 22. (Fri. & Sat.) Richard Galliano. “Piazzolla Forever.” French accordionist Galliano, a master of the instrument in his own right, honors the music of the great Argentine composer/accordionist. Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Barry Manilow

– July 4. (Wed.) Barry Manilow and July 4 Fireworks Spectacular. A high energy celebration of the 4th. With one soaring Manilow hit after another, a lot of patriotic music from the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Sarah Hicks. And the usual spectacular pyrotechnics. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2040.

– July 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.) Rodger Fox’s Wellington Jazz Orchestra. A big jazz band from New Zealand? They’re in town to make a recording, while giving Angeleno jazz fans a taste of jazz from the other side of the world. Should be interesting. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

Deana Martin

– July 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.) Deana Martin. Yes, she’s Dean Martin’s daughter, and the musical inheritance is obvious. But it’s the way Deana transforms that inheritance into her own expressiveness that makes her such an intriguing singer. She’s backed by the stellar trio of Mike Lang, Chuck Berghofer, Jim Fox and Steve Schaeffer. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– July 7. (Sat.) Pete Christlieb Quartet. Saxophonist Christlieb is at the top of everyone’s first call list – for big band jazz, small group, whatever. And with good reason. Here’s a chance to hear him in the spotlight, backed by Tom Ranier, piano, Pat Senatore, bass and Kendall Kay, drums. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

London

– July 6 & 7. (Fri. & Sat.) Jimmy Cobb, Joey DeFrancesco and Larry Coryell Trio. A tribute to Jimmy Smith by a great trio of all-stars. It would be hard to imagine three guys who could do it better. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747.

Paris

John Scofield

– July 6. (Fri.) John Scofield’s Hollowbody. In his Hollowbody bands, guitarist Scofield sparks the creativity by juxtaposing his unique skills against other guitarists. This time out, he’s working with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, as well as bassist Ben Street and drummer Bill Stewart. New Morning Paris. 01 45 23 51 41.

– Dec. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.) The Mike Stern Band. Always an exciting, compelling player in his own right, guitarist Stern takes it up to an even higher level when he’s working – as he is here – in the company of players such as drummer Dave Weckl, bassist Richard Bona and saxophonist Bob Franceschini. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

Mike Melvoin

– Dec. 2. (Fri.). A Celebration of 50 Years of the Music of Mike Melvoin. A much deserved tribute to pianist/composer/activist Melvoin – a vital figure in the jazz and music world and a supporter of aid for musicians and entertainers for decades. Participants include pianist Mike Lang, singer David Basse, saxophonist Pete Christlieb, bassist Jim Hughart, drummer Ralph Penland and more. Culvers Club For Jazz. 6161 W. Centinela Ave. Inside the Double Tree Hotel. Presented by In-House Music.

– Dec. 3. (Sat.) Holiday Wonders: Festival of Carols. The Los Angeles Master Chorale. Disney Hall. It’s one of the great holiday musical blessings – a program of favorite Christmas carols, performed by one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.

Jane Birkin

– Dec. 3. (Sat.) “An Evening With Jane Birkin.” The image of ‘60s mod style, singer/actress Jane Birkin had a long, passionate, professional and personal relationship with iconic French singer Serge Gainsbourg. Her performance recalls the drama of their connection and the impact it had upon the ‘60s and ‘70s. Luckman Fine Arts Complex. (323) 343-6600.

San Francisco

– Dec. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.) The Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra. The rhythms will be provocative, and there’ll be a great desire to get up and salsa. But Latin jazz great Palmieri also adds an irresistible seasoning of jazz to almost everything he plays. Yoshi’s San Francisco.

Chicago

Benny Green

– Dec. 1 – 4 (Thurs. – Sun.) Benny Green Trio. Pianist Green has been carrying the banner for straight ahead, bebop-driven jazz in his dynamic playing since he was an emerging jazz star in the ‘80s. And he’s still at it. Jazz Showcase. (312) 360-0234.

New York

– Dec. 1. (Thurs.) Shane Endsley and the Music Band. Versatile trumpeter Endsley was a founder of the Grammy nominated band, Kneebody. But his colorful resume includes gigs reaching from Ani DiFranco and Pearl Jam to Steve Coleman and Slavic Soul Party. For this gig, he leads a group that includes pianist Uri Caine, bassist Harish Raghavan and drummer Justin Brown. Cornelia St. Café. (212) 989-9319.

SPECIAL EVENT

- Dec. 1. (Thurs.) Jackson Browne. Veteran rock singer/songwriter Browne takes up the cause of Occupy Wall St. with a live performance in Zuccotti Park at 1 p.m. Also on the program — the California band Dawes. Zuccotti Park at Liberty Plaza between 6th Ave. & Broadway. Backpacks, camping gear and large bags are reportedly not permitted.

– Dec. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.) “Tango Meets Jazz Festival.” For the 11th year in a row, the Festival explores the surprisingly compatible common ground between tango and jazz. This time out, the featured performers are nuevo tango master Pablo Ziegler with his quartet, jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke and jazz violinist Regina Carter. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.

– Dec. 2 & 3. (Fri. & Sat.) Tudo Isto E Fado (“All This Is Fado”). Like American blues, Argentine tango and Brazilian samba, the fado is deeply rooted in the emotional expressiveness of its native culture. Here, in two extraordinary nights of music, every aspect of fado – from historical to contemporary – is on full display. Performers include: On Fri.: Lisboa Soul and Camane. On Sat.: Deolinda and Amalia Hoje. The Gilman Opera House at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. (718) 636-4100.

Tokyo

– Dec. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.) David Sanborn. Not only does alto saxophonist Sanborn have one of the most unique sounds in jazz, he also has one of the most influential. Transforming the blues styles of Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman, he’s been among the most imitated saxophonists of the past four decades. The Blue Note Tokyo. 03-5485-0088.

Los Angeles

Leon Russell

– May 3. (Tues.) Leon Russell. One of the great iconic figures of the golden era of rock makes a rare local appearance in a relatively small venue. There’ll also be a special performance by Booker T. Jones. The El Rey. (323) 936-6400.

– May 3. (Tues.) Emil Richards, Mike Lang, Abraham Laboriel, Joe Porcaro. A quartet of L.A.’s finest, veteran jazzmen get together to provide a few effortlessly swinging lessons in the benefits of bebop and beyond. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– May 4 – 8. (Wed.- Sun.) Roy Hargrove Quintet. Trumpeter Hargrove is playing in every imaginable setting these days, but it’s always a special pleasure to hear him in a straight ahead, jazz quintet performance. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– May 5. (Thurs.) Cinco de Mayoat the Conga Room. For the sheer joy of music and movement, there’s no better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than the Conga Room. And it’s especially sizzling this year with the electro music of Maria Daniela y Su Sonido Lasser, the three piece, electro-pop party band, Cosmopolitan and L.A.’s own Son Jarocho collective, Las Cafeteras. The Conga Room. (213) 745-0162.

– May 5. (Thurs.) Jon Mayer. Here’s another performance by a quartet of the Southland’s finest veteran jazzers. Expect the mood to be swinging and the sounds to be memorable. With Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophone, Chris Conner, bass, Roy McCurdy, drums. LAX Jazz Club at the Crown Plaza LAX. (310) 258-1333.

– May 5 – 7. (Thurs. – Sat. ) Ravel with the Pacific Symphony. Conductor Carlos Miguel Pietro leads the Pacific Symphony in a journey across the Iberian peninsula via the music of Albeniz (Iberia), Sarasate (Carmen Fantasy), De Falla (The Three Cornered Hat) and Ravel (Bolero and Tzigane. Violinist Philippe Quint solos. Segerstrom Center for the Arts. (714) 556-2787.

Shirley MacLaine

– May 6. (Fri.) Shirley McLaine. It’s hard to know what to expect from any given appearance by the fascinating Ms. McLaine. But there’s no doubt she’ll share some of her film moments with some revelations about her life, career and interests in spirituality. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-8800.

– May 6 & 7. (Fri. & Sat.) The Mikado. One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most entertaining musical delights, performed by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501.

– May 7. (Sat.) Wavefest. The 15th annual Wavefest has morphed into something more than music to relax to. There’ll be a lot more energy than that, and a lot more interest, too, in a program featuring Roberta Flack, KEM, Macy Gray and Sheila E. & the E. Family. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.

– May 8. (Sun.) Alan Broadbent and Pat Senatore. Pianist Broadbent and bassist Senatore have played with just about everyone in their long productive careers. Here’s a chance to hear them exchanging musical ideas in an elegant, laid back setting. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

Cameron Carpenter

– May 8. (Sun.) Cameron Carpenter. Carpenter isn’t just a brilliantly virtuosic organist, he’s also a charismatic entertainer who understands how to balance his astonishing technical displays with interpretive authenticity. In this performance he finds the heartbeat of Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture and Prelude and Fugue in G minor.Disney Hall. (323) 650-2000.

– May 7. (Sat.) Yanni. One of the most popular international artists in the world, Yanni’s lyrical piano playing, combined with his warm and fuzzy orchestrations have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. The Warfield. (415) 345-0900.

Seattle

May 5 – 8. (Thurs. – Sun.) Keiko Matsui. Keyboardist Matsui was one of the first artists to make the most of the fertile territory between smooth jazz, fusion and New Age, and do so with a subtly appealing undercurrent of swing. Jazz Alley. (206) 441-9729.

– May 4. (Wed.) Danny Aiello. He’s given one memorable film performance after another – including a pair of Academy Award nominations along the way. But Aiello’s singing chops are every bit as impressive. The New York Times called it right when it said “Aiello has the bounce of his idols Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima, and the throaty lyricism of another idol, Tony Bennett.” The Iridium. (212) 582-2121.

Boston

– May 5. (Thurs.) The Mahavishnu Project. Drummer Gregg Bendian leads his sturdy band of players in the performance of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra’s complete Visions of the Emerald Beyond. John McLaughlin offers his support: “To hear you guys playing those tunes in such an unbelievable way is quite amazing.” The Regatta Bar. (617) 395-7757.

– April 12. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. With Sid Jacobs and John Leftwich. Pisano’s Tuesday Guitar Nights just keep on cooking. And with Jacobs and Leftwich also on stage, the rhythms will be crisp and the imagination wide open. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– April 13. (Wed.) Mike Lang Trio. Pianist Lang has a resume that includes gigs with the likes of Natalie Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand and more, recordings with Henry Mancini, John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, and a long string of film and TV credits. This time out, he’s doing it his own way, backed by bassist Michael Valerio and drummer Jim Keltner. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. .

– April 14. (Thurs.) Duran Duran. They’re back. The sounds of the eighties that made all the young girls quiver, still playing the hits. Fox Theatre Pomona. (909) 784-3671.

Denise Donatelli

– April 14. (Thurs.) Denise Donatelli. Grammy-nominated Donatelli’s dark-timbred voice and imaginative singing will prove, once again, why she really should have won that award. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.

– April 14 – 16. (Thurs. – Sat.) Victor Wooten Band. Five time Grammy Award winner Wooten displays the bass playing dexterity and free-roving imagination that make him one of the important artists of his generation. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. .

– April 15. (Fri.) Michael Wolff. Pianist Wolff, heard to rarely in these parts, plays his second Vitello’s gig in a couple of weeks. This time, his musical companions will be trumpeter Mark Isham, bassist John B. Williams and drummer Michael Barsimento. Click HERE to read an iRoM review of a recent Wolff performance. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– April 15. (Fri.) Tom Peterson/Andy Martin Quartet. Saxophonist Peterson and trombonist Martin, first call players on their instruments, take a break from playing for everyone else, and step to the front of the stage. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– April 16. (Sat. ) Improvisatory Minds: Chamber Music by Jazz Musicians. It’s an evening that promises to provide some of the more intriguing musical explorations of recent memory. On the bill: works by Bevan Manson, Ed Neumeister, and Gernot Wolfgang, with guest composers Billy Childs and Alan Broadbent. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

Judy Wexler

– April 16. (Sat.) Judy Wexler. Versatile Ms. Wexler is a singer who finds the essence of jazz in everything she sings, regardless of genre. She celebrates her birthday with a prime evening of music. Café 322. (626) 836-5414

– April 16 & 17. (Sat. & Sun.) Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks. They may not have found musical companionship in their early years, but Stewart and Nicks seem perfectly attuned to share a stage in the prime maturity of their careers. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

– April 16 & 17. (Sat. & Sun.) The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Music Director Jeffrey Kahane leads the LACO in a performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Also on the program: Dvorak’s lyrical Serenade in E Major for Strings and composer John Harbison’s whimsical Gli accordi piu usati (“The most often used chords”). Saturday at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Sunday at UCLA’s Royce Hall. For information click HERE. (213) 622-7001 Ext. 215.

– April 15 & 16. (Fri. & Sat.) Maceo Parker. Alto saxophonist Parker’s funk roots trace back to his highly visible work with James Brown. Since then, he’s performed with every imaginable funk band, including his own “greatest little funk band on earth.” He makes his debut performance at Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

New York

– April 12 & 13. (Tues. & Wed.) The Three Cohens. Tenor saxophonist/clarinetist Anat Cohen, trumpeter Avishai Cohen and soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen. Three impressive jazz artists from the same Israeli family are a jazz

Anat Cohen

rarity. But aside from that, they’re always a pleasure to hear, and never more so than when they’re in an infrequent public family jam. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. (212) (212) 258-9595.

– April 12 – 17. (Tues. – Sun.) Martial Solal & Francois Moutin Duo. There’s no better proof of France’s love affair with jazz than the teaming of these two extraordinary French artists in a cross generational gig – the great, veteran pianist Solal and the talented young bassist Moutin. Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

– April 14. (Thurs.) Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society. Fast rising composer arranger Argue’s writing for his big band, Secret Society, has been praised in media of every stripe. Here’s a chance to hear the work of this gifted young artist in an up front and live setting. Iridium. (212) 582-2121.

– April 14 – 17. (Thurs. – Sun.) Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet. Trumpeter Akinmusire leads a stellar collection of young players in a celebration of the release of his debut album on Blue Note, When the Heart Emerges Glistening. Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.

– Feb. 9. (Wed.) Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg with the New Century Chamber Orchestra. Now the conductor of the NCCO, violinist Salerno-Sonneberg joins with the ensemble in a diverse program of Bartok, Piazolla and Tchaikovsky. The Broad Stage. (310) 434-3200.

– Feb. 10. (Thurs.) Lorraine Feather. Singer/songwriter Feather writes songs in which jazz is the root and poetry the blossom. There’s no one quite like her, and she should be heard at every opportunity. Backing her: Russell Ferrante, piano and Mike Valerio, bass. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– Feb. 10 – 13. (Thurs. – Sun.) and Feb. 17 – 20. (Thurs. – Sun.) The Who’s “Tommy.” It’s one of the classics of the sixties, still a compelling work of musical art. This version is a Chance Theatre Production. Segerstrom Concert Hall Segerstrom Center for the Arts. (714) 556-2787.

– Feb. 13. (Sun.) Herb Alpert and Lani Hall. The music world’s ultimate power couple. And they can still deliver it. Hall has been, and remains, one of the underrated jazz singers. And trumpeter Alpert knows how to find both the space and the center in an improvisation. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– Feb. 8 & 9 (Tues. & Wed.) Kenny Garrett Quartet. Grammy award-winning alto saxophonist Garrett has a resume reaching from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis. This time out, he offers his envelope-stretching sounds at the front of his own quintet. Yoshi’s Oakland (510) 238-9200.

– Feb. 10 – 14. (Thurs. – Mon.) Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra. Pete Escovedo and the Escovedo family have been energizing Latin jazz since the ‘60s. And they’re all still at it. This time out, the band includes special guests Sheila E. and Peter Michael Escovedo. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

New York City

Gato Barbieri

– Feb. 10 – 12 (Thurs. – Sun.) Gato Barbieri. Tenor saxophonist Barbieri’s long, checkered career has reached from the avant-garde years of the ‘60s through his Grammy-winning score for The Last Tango In Paris to more recent smooth jazz outings. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.

– Feb. 8 – 13. (Tues. – Sun.) Freddy Cole“Valentine Swing” with Harry Allen. Cole’s sound and style are clearly, and unabashedly, influenced by his big brother Nat. But Cole has a way of adapting those qualities to his own engaging musical identity. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. (212) 258-9800.

– Feb. 8 – 14. (Tues. – Mon.) Hilary Kole. Jazz singer Kole, who usually hosts Birdland’s Sunday Jazz Party, does a full week’s run at the club. And her rich way with a ballad is the perfect lead-in to Valentine’s Day. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

Denise Donatelli

– Feb. 11 & 14. (Fri. & Mon.). Denise Donatelli. Grammy-nominated singer Donatelli makes a pair of too-rare Manhattan appearances which will inform New York jazz fans about what Angelenos have known for years — that she is a singer with the sound, the skill and the imagination to be included at the top levels of the jazz vocal art. Donatelli is backed by the Geoff Keezer arrangements and quartet featured on the Grammy-nominated “When Lights Are Low.” Fri.: Coca-Cola Circle of Fashion Lounge, Time Warner Center, 6:30 p.m. Mon.: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, 7:30, p.m. (212) 258-9800.